
Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Welcome to The Issues Podcast (formerly the Dear Church Podcast). Pastors Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ, along with special guests, get to the heart of the real issues that matter. With a burden to stir your heart and challenge your thinking, they dive into key topics within the Independent, Fundame... more
| Publishes | Infrequently | Episodes | 114 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Religion & Spirituality | |||

The Lindsay Clancy case has sparked intense debate over mental illness, criminal responsibility, postpartum psychosis, and the meaning of justice.
In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen, Martin, and Tom examine the case and wrestle with the ... more
The recent revelations involving Kenny Baldwin have prompted difficult but necessary conversations within the church. In this episode, Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Shipe examine the biblical qualifications for church leadership, discuss how ... more
In this special episode of The Issues Podcast, host Martin Wickens sits down with church planters Marty Montgomery and Josh Levesque during the missions conference at Bedford Bible Church.
Through personal testimonies, practical insights, and honest... more
In this episode of the Issues Podcast, Stephen and Martin unpack what true spiritual leadership looks like from 1 Corinthians 4, addressing why it is often misunderstood in today’s churches and why fewer young men seem willing to step into leadership... more
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Looking for an independent fundamental Baptist podcast that is godly, Biblical, and doesn’t bash other baptists just because they are part of another “camp” of Independent Baptists, then look no further than the Issues Podcast. If I were to describe in one word what it is like to listen to these three men discuss issues, it would be the word “refreshing.”
I appreciate this podcast for its practicality and thoughtfulness. Although it is easy to tell that each pastor does not think exactly like each other, they are still able to talk through issues in a thoughtful way and arrive at sensible conclusions that do not contradict the Bible, but apply it. Also, it is entertaining!
To Tom Brennan, Martin Wickens, and Stephen Russ,
I’ve listened to every episode of The Issues Podcast, and I just want to say thank you. Your discussions have challenged me to think more deeply about my faith and have pushed me to be more intentional in studying the Word of God. You’ve helped me see things from perspectives I hadn’t considered before, not just to hear another point of view but to truly examine everything through Scripture. This podcast has also led me to other valuable resourc... more
I go to the same church as the Russo brothers and yes, they really do love brother Wickens!
Brother Russ does not exaggerate. We love Brother Wickens!
-The Russo brothers
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.









Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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The show consistently centers on biblically grounded discussions around church leadership, doctrinal issues, and contemporary church life within the Independent Fundamental Baptist spectrum. Episodes often feature two to three pastors or church leaders who unpack topics like church governance, scripture translation debates, church planting, revival, and pastoral integrity, blending practical leadership guidance with theological reflection. A notable strength is the mixture of doctrinal clarity and pastoral practicality, with guests ranging from church planters to ministry leaders, which can be especially valuable for listeners seeking actionable insights for ministry, governance, and faith formation. The format tends to emphasize respectful... more
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The Issues Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 114 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Issues Podcast include:
1. Marty Montgomery
2. Josh Levesque
3. Joe Shakour
4. Micah Still
5. Sam Brennan
6. Dr. Alton Beal
7. Dave Knopfsinger
8. Jeff Jones
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